The owner of an Atlanta tattoo parlor killed a would-be robber during a Tuesday evening confrontation in which at least 15 shots were fired, police said.

The attempted holdup occurred about 6 p.m. at West End Tattoo on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, near Peeples Street.

"It appears three suspects came into the West End Tattoo parlor and attempted to rob the owner and at some point, the owner managed to retrieve his own weapon," Maj. Keith Meadows told WSB-TV. "It was at that point that the individuals exchanged gunfire."

The owner, who had a 9mm handgun, fatally shot one suspect. "The other two armed suspects fled the business on foot and remain at large," said Sgt. Curtis Davenport, a police spokesman.

It is possible, but not confirmed, that the owner wounded one of those two suspects, Davenport said.

Police said it is unlikely the shop owner will be charged.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office would not release the name of the deceased, pending notification of his next of kin.